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Regardless of what your vacation checklist consists of, we have invigorating outdoors, amazing cultural sights, mouth-watering food and Southern hospitality all wrapped into one amazing destination. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing overnight getaway or for a one of a kind adventure, Calhoun County is the natural attraction.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas;
Soon the bells will start,
And the thing that will make them ring
Is the carol that you sing
Right within your heart.”

--“It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas”

Gifts and presents everywhere!.. Okay so maybe not yet. Need to think of some new and creative Christmas gift ideas? Here’s a list of some unique ideas to give to someone special.

1) Spa!
The holidays can be a stressful time. With Christmas being around the corner, a nice relaxing day at the spa would really show a loved one you care. Be sure to check out some of the amazing spas in the Calhoun County area. Click here for more info!

2) Dinner! If there’s one way of showing someone you care, it’s to fill their tummies up with delicious food! With Thanksgiving out of the way, and possibly a big Christmas dinner, taking someone out to eat, so they can rest, is a great Christmas gift! Did you know five Calhoun County restaurants has a dish featured in 100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die! Here they are!

3) Something with some local Flavor!
One great gift idea is getting someone something that defines where you’re from. Maybe it’s someone who is far away and would love to see what the area has to offer. It could be someone who is away from home. Whatever the reason, getting someone something that is made, or grown locally is a fantastic gift idea! Check out some local shopping ideas here!4) A show!
Taking a loved one out for a wonderful show is another thoughtful and fun idea, especially around the Christmas season. Click here and here to check out some upcoming events!

5) A combination of them all!
If you want to go all out for the season, why not make a day of it! Spas, food, shopping and entertainment! Sounds like a great day! Whatever you choose, make sure it’s from the heart!

Friday, December 4, 2015

On December 3, 2015, Santa Clause, took some time after the Jacksonville Christmas parade to sit and discuss some of his plans for the Christmas season. We also talked about Mrs. Clause, what he does in his free time, and the best Christmas present he ever gave.

Santa, How are you today?

I’m doing very well, thank you! Having a jolly time! It’s a bit warmer down here than what I’m used to, but still it’s wonderful!

You sound as if you’re in good spirits. Aren’t you tired lately?

Tired! Oh no, not tired. The seasons just begun. The elves, reindeer's and I prepare for this time of year months in advance. You would think we’d have it down to a science, but something new and exciting pops up every year. The reindeer’s are in their best form, the elves are coming up with better and more innovative gift ideas, and I’m looking forward to eating all those delicious cookies the good boys and girls have waiting for me. Mrs. Clause isn’t as excited about it, but I always try to soften her up by bringing her a few. She’s usually okay with it then. Ho Ho Ho!

Well, we all know you have a hundred things on your plate, so I’m going to ask you a few questions to help kick the season into full gear.
Santa, have anything special planned this year?

You see, if it was special, shouldn’t it be a surprise. Ho Ho Ho! I can tell you one thing that’s for sure. This Christmas will be filled with lots of fun!

Who’s your favorite reindeer?

Oh no! I can’t answer that. I love them all dearly. They are wonderful creatures, and I have nothing but love and admiration for them all. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do my job. They are such magical animals. They sure do eat a lot, but that’s why we get along so well! Ho Ho Ho

Many readers would want to know, what do you do in your free time?

Well, since I live in the North Pole, every time Mrs. Clause and I get a chance, we like to dress in disguise and go to the beach. Another one of my favorite things to do is read all the lovely Christmas wishes I receive. They are always so heartwarming. I have a notebook where I write all the wishes down so I can remember them around this time of year!

What’s the best Christmas present you have ever given?

The best present I’ve ever given? Well the best present of all, of course, love! It’s the best present and is often forgotten. So everyone one reading this, go out and give love! Ho Ho Ho!

Oh Santa, that’s lovely. Thank you for coming out us today.

I think I hear the reindeer’s on the roof!
Oh! That means it’s time to go! See you soon!! Ho Ho Ho!!

I would like to thank Santa for taking the time from his busy schedule to talking to with me. Make sure to check out the Chamber website for other Christmas events going on in the area.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Is it cold
weather I feel? Well, the temperatures might finally be dropping, but that
doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the season! Here’s some events that may give you an extra holiday
kick.

On Sunday,
November 29rd, Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC) will be putting
on “An Evening of Christmas with Jim Brady Trio and The Talleys”, from 2:30 – 5:00
p.m. Admission is $10 – $20.

Tuesday,
December 1st is Oxford Parade. It starts at 6 p.m. and runs
down Oxford’s Main Street.On Thursday,
December 3rd at 6: 30 p.m., Jacksonville will be having their
Christmas parade. The parade will run down Pelham Road between Aaron's and
Jacksonville State University.

December 5th,
is the Weaver Christmas parade, starting at 10 a.m. It will start at the Weaver
Elementary School and will end at the Elwell Park where the Weaver Annual Chili
Cook-off will be held. There will be vendors and carolers there as well. The
Chili Cook-off will be hosted by Weaver Alumni. Admission is $5. Chili and
drinks will be served to the parade participants.

Also
starting December 5th, The Music Box will be putting on, “The Best Christmas Musical Ever”. It runs
on the 5th and the 6th. On the 5th is starts
at 7 p.m., on the 6th the musical has two start times. The first will be at 2: 30 p.m. and the second will be at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $15 in advanced, $20 at the door.

December 10th
– 13th, CAST will be putting on “Every Christmas Story Ever Told”. Adult
tickets are $20 and student tickets are $10, BUT Thursday night is the “pay-what-you-want”
night. On the 10-12 the start time is 7:30 p.m., on the 13th it
starts at 2:30 p.m. It will be directed by Brian Rothwell. Click here for more information.

On Saturday, December 12th, 3 p.m., Anniston will be having their Christmas parade. The parade will run down Noble Street. Along with the Christmas
parade, Anniston will be having a new event called, “The Christmas Village”. The
theme this year will be “The Magic of Christmas”. There will be local
performers there, along with vendors, music, and even a float competition. The
village will start at 10 a.m.

OPAC will have
their Christmas Movie Festival on December 20that 2:30 p.m. “Miracle
on 23rd Street” will be playing at the theater and admission is
free. On the 21st, ELF will be playing, starting at 7:00 p.m. And on
the 23rd , the classic movie, “A Christmas Story” will be starting at
2:30. Free movies!! Why not? Come out to these joyous events and have yourself a great time!!!